The European country that "surrendered" to Iran - and the threat from an "underground missile factory"

Bulgaria announced the removal of two American refueling aircraft from the Bezmer base, days after reports of an Iranian threat to attack it. Iran continues its threats: the new chief of staff visited an underground missile factory and promised improved production, while President Pezeshkian calls for ending the war. Trump threatens an unprecedented economic blockade.

Bulgaria announced this evening (Saturday) that two American refueling aircraft, whose deployment at the Bezmer base in southeastern Bulgaria a month ago sparked Iran's anger, were removed yesterday and transferred to an undisclosed destination. The announcement by Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov comes days after the Financial Times reported that Iran is considering attacking American assets in southeastern Europe, with the report explicitly mentioning Bulgaria as a possible target. The US has not yet confirmed the announcement, but amid the Iranian threat, the move may be perceived as a surrender. Iran continues its threats: the new Chief of Staff Ali Abdollahi threatened "crushing responses" and presented a visit to an underground factory for producing ballistic missiles, where he claimed improved quality and quantity. In contrast, President Pezeshkian called for ending the war "when the whole world recognizes our victory," and Parliament Speaker Qalibaf addressed the economic crisis. Trump has shifted to a strategy of economic blockade, intending to impose secondary sanctions on countries that continue to maintain ties with Iran.

The European country that "surrendered" to Iran - and the threat from an "underground missile factory"